Citalopram: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Citalopram is an SSRI antidepressant. It is a prescription medicine used for depression and panic disorder. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 6 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Citalopram works

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It stops nerve cells in the brain from taking back serotonin too quickly after it has been released, so more of this chemical messenger stays active. Over several weeks this helps steady mood and reduce anxiety.

What is Citalopram used for?

• Depression and panic disorder

Citalopram is used to treat depression and to help prevent panic attacks in panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. It can improve mood, sleep, appetite and energy and reduce anxiety, but these benefits usually take a few weeks to build. Treatment is normally continued for several months after you feel better to lower the chance of symptoms coming back.

Side effects of Citalopram

Side effects of Citalopram often settle after the first few weeks. The more common ones include:

• Nausea
• Sweating
• Drowsiness or trouble sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Sexual problems

Contact your doctor straight away about thoughts of self-harm, a fast or irregular heartbeat or fainting. Get urgent help for agitation, high temperature and muscle twitching, which may be serotonin syndrome.

Precautions and warnings

• Do not stop it suddenly; your doctor will reduce the dose gradually.
• Avoid alcohol and do not drive until you know how it affects you.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems or take other medicines that affect heart rhythm, as citalopram can prolong the QT interval.
• Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, especially MAOIs, other antidepressants, triptans, tramadol, blood thinners or anti-inflammatory painkillers.
• Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions about Citalopram

What is the price of Citalopram in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Citalopram products currently in stock range from Rs 325 to Rs 1,547 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Citalo 20mg Tablet at Rs 325. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Citalopram are available in Pakistan?

Citalopram is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Hapicit (Adamjee Pharmaceuticals Ltd.), Bestilo (Organic Pharmaceutical), Pramcit (Nabiqasim Industries Ltd), Citalo (Platinum Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Cipram, Lexapram (Genetics Pharmaceuticals) and Manipram (Werrick Pharmaceuticals Pakistan Ltd).

Do I need a prescription for Citalopram?

Yes. Citalopram is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Citalopram be used during pregnancy?

Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Are all Citalopram brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Citalopram in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Citalopram brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 8 products containing Citalopram from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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